"What is now needed is a little more determination and perseverance. Our athletes must now cross the last mile. I am confident that if we set our minds to the task, India can join the ranks of leading sporting nations of the world," the President said, adding India, a 1.2 billion strong nation, deserves a better ranking than 55 attained at London Olympics.

"Compared to the medal drought India has undergone since independence, six medals appear a good harvest," he said.